From the ironworkers who constructed the Empire State Building to China’s Forbidden City, this captivating large format book will enthrall young readers as they journey around architectural marvels from around the world. Boasting dynamic double-page spreads featuring hidden architects or important figures and captivating facts on every page, this book promises an engaging reading experience.
1. The Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque is one of the world’s most breathtaking landmarks, boasting 82 domes and 1,000 columns to form one massive work of art that seamlessly merges different Islamic architectural schools. With 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers adorning each pillar encrusted with semi-precious stones such as amethyst, jasper, lapis lazuli and mother of pearl, its sheer magnificence leaves visitors speechless.
It is also the third-largest mosque worldwide and holds up to 40,000 visitors at once, drawing visitors from far away places such as China. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan intended for it to carry historic significance while embodying genuine Islamic values.
This mosque was designed by Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky and takes inspiration from Persian, Moorish and Moroccan architecture. Constructed through collaboration among 38 construction companies and 3,000 artisans from around the world. Its opulence can be seen in its details such as marble motifs or its world’s largest 108 knotted carpet in the main prayer hall. Visitors should dress modestly while respecting those in prayer.
2. The City Hall
Prior to 1928, the city’s civic leaders resided in a brick structure located low over Center Square. Under an informal agreement among them all, no new building could rise higher.
City Hall opened that same year; its massive structure embodied the energy and ambition of its builders – it became America’s tallest building at that time.
John Parkinson and Albert C. Martin were commissioned to design and construct City Hall: John Parkinson led concept and architectural design while Austin managed working drawings and general administration of the project. Overall style has been described by Austin as “Modern American”, with elements like grand columns and monumental steps at Spring Street entrance recalling classical designs while its setbacks and pyramid evoke Art Deco styles.
Today, it remains an iconic landmark, boasting an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city and serving as the setting for popular television series Spin City (1996) starring Michael J Fox as an inept Mayor who’s upstaged by an equally determined Deputy Mayor.
3. The Cathedral
Inhabiting caverns and tunnels left by miners who extracted rock salt for two centuries, the Cathedral is an architectural marvel that towers tall over visitors as they step inside its vast hall. Its impressive height matches only its grandeur; inside are soaring arches and ornate chapels as well as the famous Tapestry of Creation from 11th century Romanesque needlework depicting scenes of Creation and Redemption that once served as altar baldachin but later moved to cathedral for display.
4. The Tower of the Winds
At 12-meters tall and located within the Roman Agora between Plaka and Monastiraki lies The Tower of Winds (or Horologion of Andronikos Kyrrestes), this monument of Pentelic marble similar to that used for Parthenon sculptures is considered one of the world’s first meteorological stations with weather vane, water clock, and sundial features built by Andronicus of Kyrrhos from Macedonia around 1st century BC.
The Roman Agora tower was located at a specific spot so that its weather-vane and sundials could be easily observed by all members of the Roman Agora. Its octagonal frieze depicted eight wind gods (Anemoi) who presided over each compass direction: Boreas (North), Kaikias (North East), Eurus (East), Apeliotes (South East), Notus (South South Southwest Southwest Zephyrus West North Western Skiron (NW). At its apex there was also a bronze Triton weathervane bearing his hand pointed toward whatever side of building the wind was blowing from.
5. The Waterfall
Waterfalls are often considered one of nature’s most stunning architectural marvels, yet they also hold great power to cause injury and tragedy to people who use them for stunts and events that lead to tragedy. One infamous example is Niagara Falls which has claimed many thrill-seekers lives when trying to cross them using tightropes or barrels – the latter has taken many lives attempting to cross them at Niagara.
In software development, waterfall methodology is a project management method that uses a sequential approach where each phase must be completely completed before starting on another one. This model is often referred to as “waterfall”, due to how each phase resembles a cascade with progress descending from top down. One advantage of waterfall is that it provides a clear vision of how a project will develop from its inception; however, its flexibility may limit changes or new features later on during development.